Author: Katya

Celebrity Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney Unveils the Top Five Dangers To Avoid During The Holiday Season and Beyond 

 (LOS ANGELES, CA – December 10, 2012) – Rock salt, antifreeze and mistletoe – oh my!  The holiday season brings many pleasures to our four-legged friends: family gatherings, big meals, special trips, and in many areas some chilly white fluffy stuff to frolic in.  However, many pet owners don’t realize that when the temperatures drop, the unexpected risks for pets rise.

Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website, has teamed with celebrity veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney, pet expert for PerezHilton.com’s TeddyHilton.com pet website, to uncover the Top Five Winter Hazards that can be life-threatening for pets.  They include:

1. Rock Salt: If you live in a cold climate where winter brings snow and ice, then you’re familiar with our first hazard.  Rock salt, also called road salt, is sodium chloride mixed with other chemical additives and is used to keep sidewalks and roadways from being too slippery from ice.  While the mixture works well, it is very tough on our pets’ paws and can be extremely dangerous if ingested.  Other de-icing agents should also be avoided in areas where pets congregate.
2. Antifreeze:  Pets may be drawn to this popular engine coolant because it has a sweet taste, but this exceedingly toxic substance that contains ethylene glycol can be found anywhere vehicles drive or park, including streets, roadways, parking lots, or even your own driveway.  If ingested, this fluorescent green fluid can cause kidney failure or even death in pets, and since it’s used to control the freezing and boiling point of liquids, antifreeze is not exclusively a winter hazard, but also quite dangerous during the warmer months as well.
3. Heating Sources:  Pets may enjoy cozying up near the fireplace to bask in the warmth, but this activity is dangerous because of the exposure to flames and increased temperatures that can potentially burn their skin.  In addition, pet parents need to be extra cautious when exposing their furry friends to electric blankets and space heaters because these electrical items can become toxic or harmful.
4. Winter Plants: Although they look pretty, many holiday plants can be poisonous to pets.  Mistletoe, Poinsettias, Holly and Christmas Cactus are all extremely toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurologic effects if ingested.  Christmas trees are also hazardous because not only are the pine needles poisonous, but also because of the bacteria and fertilizer harbored in the water stands (which pets are known to drink).  Additionally, decorations such as tinsel can also be very noxious if consumed.
5. Festive Foods:  Meats and sweets are treats that pets beg for, but are serious no no’s when it comes to your pet’s health.  Turkey and other holiday meats are very high in protein, but if meats in their natural form are not a regular part of their diet, they can be hard to digest, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or inflammation of the pancreas.  Chocolate may be the best-known food danger for pets because it contains caffeine.  Dogs in particular do not metabolize these stimulants in their liver, and elevations in heart rate, blood pressure, or even seizures, coma, or death can occur.   Of course, all candy is high in sugar, which can cause digestive issues for all pets.

“During the holiday season, we want to ensure that everyone enjoys a fun and safe celebration, which includes taking a few extra precautions for your beloved pets,” remarked Dr. Patrick Mahaney.  “Just avoiding the hazardous elements that pose even a remote threat to your pets could make a huge difference in their health and wellness.”

Dr. Mahaney is available for interviews to discuss how to protect your pets against potentially fatal winter hazards, and to provide vital tips on what to do should your pet unexpectedly fall victim this season.  For additional information on winter hazards, visit adoptapet.com/winterhazards.

Another seasonal pet-related topic for interview opportunity is how to choose the perfect pet as a holiday gift.  Adopt-a-Pet.com experts are available to discuss what people must consider before surprising loved ones with a new four-legged family member.

Adopt-a-Pet.com is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website.  We help over 12,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their purebred and mixed breed pets for free to millions of adopters each month.  Sponsored by the pet lovers at Purina and Bayer AnimalHealth LLC, we help homeless dogs, cats, and even rabbits and other animals go from alone to adopted.  But we don’t stop there.  Adopt-a-Pet.com also provides valuable information on the human/companion animal relationship to help keep pets healthy and successfully living in their loving homes.  Visit our facebook page and blog for supportive content and articles, and our YouTube channel for entertaining and informative pet training videos, all produced by our staff of experts in animal training and behavior, as well as human psychology.

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Contact:

 Nikki Pesusich                                 Sue Cornick

nikki@coteriemedia.com               sue@coteriemedia.com

818-788-7650                                  310-995-1074

Do you know how awesome pigs are?!  Pigs are social, friendly, and intelligent animals who enjoy being clean and giving affection.  Sadly, every year too many pigs are abandoned to animal shelters because their owners didn’t really think through the decision to get a pig or didn’t learn the facts about what it entails to have one as a pet.  If you’re thinking of adopting a pig, please click here so that you know what expect from these loyal, sweet, silly animals!  Pigs are full of personality and can be lots of fun to have in your home.

Once you’re sure that you are ready to open your home to a pig, search our website for one to adopt in your area!  They will need proper pet care, routine veterinary visits, and wholesome nutrition just like other animals do.  They can also be trained to walk on a leash, follow basic house-training, and often get along with cats, dogs, and all kinds of species.  In short, pigs really do make fantastic pets and can really add joy to your life!  Just make sure you’re prepared to welcome one home.

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We want to thank Whiskers And Leo for sending over this great write-up so that we could share it with you! Thinking of going away this holiday season? Work long hours and need a dog walker or pet sitter? On top of providing high quality, in-home pet care services on the East Coast, Whiskers And Leo are also big fans of pet adoption! They are professionals of their trade and shared with us this list of 10 questions to ask before hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. We hope you enjoy and that this helps you find a great best friend for your best friend!

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

1. Do they have liability insurance and bonding, and how much coverage? Accidents can happen, so you want to make sure they are professionals and have proper coverage.

2. Are their pet sitters actual employees or independent contractors? This is important for liability reasons! If a company hires actual employees then you know they are a company that is going to be around for a while. In addition, you’ll know they are a legitimate company and that they value their sitters.

3. Is there a background check on all sitters? Whether you’re considering an independent pet sitter or working with a company, make sure a background check has been run on anyone who will be working with you.  Some pet sitters/dog walkers may seem great when you meet them and say all the right things, but you are trusting them with your pets and access to your home so please be extra cautious!

4. Are they members of any professional pet sitting organizations? For example Pet Sitters International is a good association to be aligned with!

5. How do dog walkers/sitters keep track of their schedules? You want to make sure that their time is well organized for your pets.

6. Will they give you the same walker/sitter each day, or each time you call? If not, how does the interview process work with each sitter that will come into your home?

7. What methods of payment do they accept? This can help you gage if they are a full service company.

8. For dog walking, how many dogs do they walk at once? In addition, are there certain types of collars/harnesses/leashes that they use or do not like to use? Many pet sitters/dog walkers will not use certain types of collars and leashes for safety reasons and they limit the number of dogs they will walk at one time. This assures the safety and well-being of the animals they are responsible for!

9. What are the company’s mission, values and ethics? Check the company’s website and marketing literature. What is their reputation in the community? You can ask around at vets, groomers, pet stores, pet rescues, etc. to see if they know anything about that company. It’s also important to note if they work with or donate to local shelters and animals rescues!  A dog walking/sitting company that is also compassionate and involved in helping animals is a good sign. Lastly, you can learn more by Googling to see if you can find any reviews. Be wary of a company that doesn’t have an online presence!

10. Last but not least, ask for at least two references from current clients that use their services! It is very important to know if they have happy clients so don’t be shy to ask for references!

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In an effort to further promote pet adoption, we at Adopt-a-Pet.com have created new infographics by breed that are full of information! Check out our first one focusing on the Pit Bull, and proving many reasons why that they make wonderful pets. If you’d like to share this infographic on your own website, click here.  Stay tuned for our next breed infographic – the Poodle!

We’d like to think that there is someone for every pet out there.  We can imagine a world when this dream can be made into a reality, and where all animals, even special needs pets, enjoy happy homes.  Break out the tissues for this wonderful story of how an abandoned special-needs dog and a woman battling a disability came together. When we first met Wendy Rodriguez we were thrilled to hear her story and share her inspirational journey with you.

On the outside her life might seem pretty standard: she is in a happy relationship, has a lovely daughter named Isabella, she works hard and enjoys time with family and friends.  Despite her enthusiasm and energy, Wendy was born with Spina Bifida, a developmental congenital disorder.  When Wendy was just a baby, the doctors told her mother that she would not live past the age of ten years old. But Wendy’s mom is a strong woman who believed Wendy could preserver. She pushed her daughter to do everything that any kid her age would do despite her disabilities.  It was not long before Wendy discovered that she had inherited her mother’s fortitude and faith, and she is now 23 years old.

When it came time for her family to get a dog Wendy knew she wanted to adopt and give back, providing a home to an animal in need.  So Wendy and her partner Joel started their search on Adopt-a-Pet.com.  When Joel first saw a picture of Bentley, a sweet Bulldog mix at Pooch Heaven Rescue, he was immediately drawn to his cute, smushy face.  But as he read Bentley’s bio describing his personality and behavior, his jaw dropped.  Joel ran over to show Bentley’s profile to Wendy.  You see Bentley, too, had Spina Bifida.  Without a doubt, Wendy and Joel knew that Bentley was meant to be their dog.

Out of the many profiles they saw, his was the one that called out to them.  Bentley had been passed over time and time again by adopters who did not want to deal with his condition.  He waited patiently for just one best friend in the world, and his rescuers hoped his limitations would soon be accepted by a nice family.  Their wish came true in Wendy, strong and determined that Bentley was just what her family needed in a pet.  Her dedication was as unwavering as her mother’s, and that is just what Bentley would need.

As soon as Wendy and her family reached Pooch Heaven’s Rescue Ranch, they met Bentley and fell in love.  Their Adopt-a-Pet.com search for a new furry family member had brought them the sweetest, most loving pup they could ask for.  Wendy will tell you that she feels her struggles are all worth it in the end.  It has made her who she is, and she’s proud of it.  What has perhaps surprised her most might be that her and Bentley found one another, two kindred spirits who could help heal each other.  In Wendy’s readiness to take care of Bentley, she has found herself taken care of, too.  He is the perfect four-legged pal who understands her without words and loves her unconditionally.  Together they serve as a bridge between their species, and together they overcome their pasts every day. Wendy gave Bentley the gift every dog deserves: the chance at a forever family who adores him!  But adopting Bentley came with a gift in return: Wendy’s family is now complete.

Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more! Please check out our website if you and your family is interested in adopting a fantastic special needs pet of your own!

Gotta love employers who promote pet adoption! That’s one of the many reasons we are such fans of TargetCW, a workforce management and solutions company. TargetCW offers an unique Adopt-a-Pet.com rescue reimbursement program to their employees as a way to incentivize them to adopt their next pet! By paying up to $100 of a pet adoption fee, this is a benefit that encourages pet adoption and engages them all in a company culture ripe with service, compassion, and community. Ryan Anning, CFO of the business, recently took advantage of this special perk and adopted Mia, a blond Labrador mix puppy. Here is his story below! We’re happy to report that many TargetCW employees have been inspired to adopt pets of their own thanks to the company’s encouragement.

“Recently, we had to say goodbye to our family dog of 9 years. It was a difficult time, and hard to explain to my four young daughters what had happened. Our house was too quiet so we looked into adopting a puppy. We searched and found our match on Adopt-a-Pet.com and headed out to a shelter in San Diego to find her! There was Mia, a 2 month old Yellow Lab/Hound mix that was recently abandoned. We decided that there would be no better time to than now to adopt her, and bring her home. Needless to say, our house is again filled with the excitement and joy that a puppy brings, and my daughters are excited for the opportunity to have another dog that they can grow up with. We’ll never forget our first family dog, but are very appreciative for the opportunity to help a great cause and adopt Mia.”

Please consider sharing this story with your employer in order to help your company become advocates for pet adoption, too! Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

The supportive pet-loving folks over at PeoplePets.com have chosen another gem to feature! And oh boy, is Rizzo as star-worthy as they come. It’s hard to believe that this beautiful gal was found abandoned in a park with her pup. Although she was first protective of her baby and of herself, Rizzo quickly showed her true colors – that of an affectionate, loving, sweetheart. Rizzo simply, “looks into your eyes hoping that you’ll be the person she will never have to leave,” says one of her many fans at Alamo Heights Animal Care Services in San Antonio, Texas.

Her puppy has been adopted from the shelter, but this doll is still looking for her own loving family to belong to. Her requests aren’t high-maintenance at all either! Rizzo is good with other dogs, cats, and kids so she should fit right into any home lucky enough to adopt her. This 2-3 year old girl is so smart and so loyal that a dog training service has even expressed interest in training her for soldiers who suffer from PTSD! Yep, the verdict has been reached: Rizzo is a special soul.

There are so many special souls right now just like Rizzo at a shelter near you! And all these animals want and need is a happy family of their own. Search on our homepage to find your match today! If you’d like to learn more about Rizzo and how to adopt her, please click here!  Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

The experience of loving and being loved by man’s best friend is a joyous, brilliant, and rewarding one. Anyone who has a dog knows exactly what we’re talking about! When Jyo Buyyala learned that — and the particular delight of choosing a Pit Bull as her new best friend — it was 2002. That’s when she visited her local shelter looking for a Shepherd, a Golden, or maybe a Labrador to adopt. Unexpectedly, she made eye contact with a big, beautiful, dark-brindled Pit Bull named Savannah. You probably already know what happened next! She adopted her and was set on a new course of life full of purpose and meaning.

Savannah was all head, all muscle, and all heart. She was also all powerfully thumping tail! Jyo found herself constantly taken aback by the fear, hostility, and disapproval Savannah would receive from both friends and strangers. Time after time people’s judgement and second-hand opinions seemed to trump first-hand experiences of her sweet Pittie. One day Jyo’s mother took Savannah on a walk. Her mother was dressed in traditional Indian attire, and the two of them set off for a nice, effortless stroll. Jyo couldn’t get over how smoothly her mom was able to manage this giant, exuberant dog! It was an unexpected sight, a unique picture of love, and it warmed Jyo’s heart to witness her mother and Savannah together. (She also couldn’t deny that perhaps one of the reasons Savannah was so well-behaved was because she loved her grandma’s chicken curry!)

With so many unexpected happy Pit Bull moments piling up in her memory banks, Jyo was inspired to create The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar. Her vision has been one and the same since she started this passion project: To boldly, proudly, and unexpectedly showcase true stories of Pit Bulls sharing their lives with loving families, all through gorgeous photos and stories. In doing so, Jyo hopes to reveal the true beauty, comedy, softness, exuberance, friendship, loyalty and courage of this misunderstood breed.

Since 2004 when the organization began, new calendar editions have been published each and every year. These are largely a labor of love, developed by a small group of volunteers so that they can be shared and hung up with pride by thousands of Pit Bull lovers all over the world!  As always, The Unexpected Pit Bull donates 100% of its net proceeds to Pit Bull rescue groups, education programs, and advocacy organizations. In the past proceeds have funded a shelter expansion project as well as numerous spay/neuter programs and Pit Bull adoption programs. The organization continues to sponsor initiatives that advocate, educate, and serve on behalf of Pitties everywhere.

The Unexpected Pit Bull credits their fans and customers with their exponential growth and success. But for now they continue to set their eyes on more to come. Their overall mission is to be able to sponsor innovative programs that focus on training Pit Bulls as Assistant Dogs and Rescue and Therapy service animals. These programs would help rebrand and re-introduce Pit Bull dogs into the mainstream, while enhancing the public opinion of them to the highest regard. We believe that this is something these dogs deserve – a chance to be seen for who they are, individually and fairly. That is why we are proud to sponsor The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar, and to support their incredible efforts to re-inspire the world about this breed. Together we can challenge more people to see Pit Bulls beyond the stereotypes, and into the heart of what they are: fantastic animals worthy of giving and receiving great love.

Are you a proud Pit Bull parent, too? Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

Photos by: Leesia Teh Photography and Mountain Dog Photography.

Unfortunately, often people think of rats only as subway-station rodents or pests in their home. But rats can actually make wonderful pets! Rats are smart and friendly animals, and can in fact be very affectionate. Ideally, because of their social nature, it is best to adopt a pair of rats who get along and are of course both altered so that they cannot have a litter. Other benefits to having pet rats are that they’re quiet creatures, surprisingly clean, and generally easy to take care of. Pet rats behave differently from the feral ones you might find out in the wild. Being domesticated just like a cat or dog, pet rats don’t pose any more of a health risk than other pets. Not to mention, they’re also just super cute! You can find your own pet rat to adopt and love by clicking right here! If you’d like to read more information on these fascinating animals, check out this great article!

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You may have thought about acupuncture for yourself or somebody you know, but have you thought about it for your pets? Acupuncture is an alternative medicine originating in ancient China that treats patients by inserting thin needles into specific pressure points in the skin. This Eastern therapy has been used for hundreds of years as a way to relieve pain and improve health issues in humans. But lately it’s been catching on that acupuncture  can also be applied to help animals overcome ailments. Recently there has been an increase in the study and practice of veterinary acupuncture. This is great news for anyone who has a pet with chronic pain or even anxiety problems. I have a friend who has been taking her senior German Shepherd mix to acupuncture treatments for months now because of her dog’s troubling hip dysplasia. I’m happy to report in her case it’s been helping immensely. Another buddy of mine swears to its benefit on her cat’s overall behavior.

Many pet owners bring their animals in to veterinary acupuncturists for help with pain management, enhancing mobility, or relaxation tips, among various other reasons. Click here to read a fascinating article about the three most commonly utilized acupuncture points used in pets, what they address, where they are located on your furry friends, and also where they’re found on you! Who knows? Maybe you could benefit from some acupuncture too.

Although we’re glad to know this knew service is out there, you’ll want to do your research and make sure you visit a true professional if acupuncture is something you would like to consider. As with all treatments, its success is on a case by case basis, and you should seek the counsel of your veterinarian or doctor before making any decisions. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to you and your pet!

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